Top 5 Government Schemes for Farmers Like PM Kisan Yojana – Check Full Details

While most farmers are aware of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, which provides financial assistance of ₹6,000 annually in three installments, many other equally valuable schemes often go unnoticed due to lack of awareness. These schemes can offer crucial support in times of crisis — from crop loss compensation to retirement pensions.

Here are 5 government schemes every Indian farmer should know — simple, impactful, and potentially life-changing:

1. PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana (Pension for Farmers)

A flagship pension scheme for small and marginal farmers, providing financial security post-retirement.

✅ Farmers aged 18 to 40 years can apply.
✅ Monthly pension of ₹3,000 after 60 years of age.
✅ Contribution ranges from ₹55 to ₹200 per month, depending on age.
✅ Contributions can also be deducted from PM Kisan installments.
✅ Only small and marginal landholders are eligible.

📝 Helps provide stability to aging farmers with no fixed income.

2. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

A crop insurance scheme designed to compensate farmers for crop losses due to natural calamities or pests.

✅ Farmers pay only 2% to 5% premium, the rest is paid by the government.
✅ In Northeast India, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, government pays 100% premium.
✅ In case of damage, compensation is provided through insurance companies.

📝 Ideal for protection against climate uncertainties or disasters.

3. Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

To prevent farmers from falling into the debt trap, the government offers low-interest, instant credit through KCC.

✅ Instant credit limit of up to ₹3 lakh (soon to be increased to ₹5 lakh).
✅ Interest subsidy via Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS).
✅ Farmers pay only 4% interest on timely repayment.
✅ Useful for crop production and allied activities like dairy, poultry, and fisheries.

📝 Flexible and accessible short-term credit at very low rates.

4. PM-KUSUM Scheme (Solar Energy for Farmers)

Promotes solar-powered irrigation and energy independence for farmers.

✅ Farmers get solar pumps and irrigation equipment at subsidized rates.
✅ Government provides up to 60% subsidy, and 30% as bank loan.
✅ Farmers only bear around 10% of the total cost.
✅ Option to sell excess electricity to the power grid for extra income.

📝 Boosts income and reduces dependence on expensive electricity or diesel pumps.

5. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)

Focused on improving irrigation facilities and water efficiency in agriculture.

✅ Micro-irrigation systems (like drip and sprinkler) are subsidized.
✅ Small and marginal farmers get up to 55% subsidy.
✅ Other farmers receive up to 45% subsidy.
✅ Subsidy is directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).

📝 Enhances yield with minimal water usage — especially useful in drought-prone areas.

💡 Final Thought:

Many of these schemes are underutilized simply due to lack of awareness. Whether it’s financial aid, credit access, irrigation support, insurance, or pensions — these 5 schemes offer strong protection and support to India's backbone: its farmers.

✔️ Stay informed
✔️ Apply through local agriculture offices or Common Service Centres (CSCs)
✔️ Check eligibility carefully